Hedgehogs have several forms of movement at their disposal – running, curling, and rolling. When a hedgehog wants to travel great distances, they generally opt for running, propelling themselves forward with the sharp spines on their back. This momentum can be further increased with the help of their back legs, which allow for a brisk, plodding form of locomotion. Once a hedgehog finds an area of interest, they will settle down to explore every nook and cranny that’s available. This is generally where the rolling and curling come in to play. Rolling is probably the most iconic of these activities and it usually begins with the hedgehog curling into a tight ball and using their legs to push themselves forward.
This allows them to maneuver their way through tight spaces and narrow corridors. Once a hedgehog is sufficiently curious, they’ll start to uncurl and explore the new area in greater detail. By inspecting their surroundings, they are able to seek potential mates, food, and potential sources of danger. Their spines are always alert for potential threats and their noses are in constant search for food. As the hedgehog moves through their habitat, they continually seek new sources of curiosity and exploration. Hedgehogs are quite unique and resilient creatures and their motion patterns are based on instinct. Despite their slow and curious nature, they are capable of remarkable acts of endurance and can cover great distances when they need to.
Hedgehogs may live anywhere between eight and twenty years, so they will have plenty of time to practice and hone their inquisitive locomotion. Overall, hedgehogs in motion are nothing short of mesmerizing. Whether they are running, curling, or rolling, you can’t help but to be transfixed by their slow, curious motion. The Science of Hedgehog Rolling: Mechanics and Benefits Have you ever watched a hedgehog roll itself into a tiny little ball in order to protect itself from danger? While it looks like an adorable behavior simply carried out in the wild, hedgehog rolling is actually a highly scientific process with significant benefits and implications. Using its quills, a hedgehog is able to Do Hedgehogs Roll use a combination of force and balance to roll itself into a dodecahedron shape.
